It's that time of year again when you need to bring your green friends inside for the cold months. This can be a very exciting time, but also a very anxious time if you struggle with winter plant care. On the bright side, you have less upkeep since plant growth has slowed down. On the not so bright side, a lot of people struggle with this adjustment in their plant care routine. I'm here to reassure you that everything will be okay, and help you keep your succulent babies healthy all winter long!
There are two different types of succulents which have very different needs. There are many hardy varieties of succulents like the very popular Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum) whose Latin name literally means "to live forever". This variety along with many others can actually tolerate all four seasons, even freezing weather. I live in zone 6a and can say that this is true. A friend up the street has a gorgeous walkway covered with Hens and Chicks succulents that comes back every spring after the frosty season.
The other types of succulents are called soft succulents. These are the succulents you would typically see in your greenhouse or local garden store with a more delicate looking appearance with physically softer leaves. Succulents like the Jade plant, Haworthia, Echeveria, and String of Pearls are all types of succulents that would absolutely NOT make it if left outside in the winter weather. These types of plants are the ones you will need to bring inside and monitor lightly.
Watering Routine
Succulents among other tropical plants will go through a dormancy period in the Winter. This means they are using less energy and therefore absorbing less water. It is very typical for succulents to get over watered in the wintertime because of this. It is important to change up your watering routine to match that of the plant's needs. Typically, in the cold months you can go 3-4 weeks or even as long as two months without watering your succulents! Succulents store water in their leaves which is why they are so juicy and plump. They will use water from their leaves if they are thirsty, which is why it is so important to not overwater them. You will know if your succulent is drying out when it gets wrinkly and shriveled, so make sure to give it a quick splash of water but not too much! It is always better to come back from under watering than overwatering especially in succulents. Whatever your watering routine is in the summer, cut that routine in half during the winter. For example, if you water every 5 days in the Summer, then water every 10 days in the Winter and so on.
Light & Sun Exposure
Succulents are hardy little creatures because they will survive for a long time without attention. This doesn't mean they will thrive with this lack of attention though. Survival vs Thrival is the key concept here (and yes, I made up the word thrival). Since succulents' store water in their leaves, they can handle being left along in a dark office corner with little light. You will eventually see your plant reach for the sun and become leggy and thin. A thriving succulent will push out plump leaves and grow in the rosette form without developing an elongated stem which is due to lack of sunlight. Therefore, it is important to give your succulent lots of ample sunlight during the winter months. Sunlight in the winter is much less intense than summer sunlight. Succulents should get about 3-4 hours of indirect light in the winter in order to remain healthy.
Temperature & Airflow
Succulents naturally prefer a dry climate to a humid one which actually makes them the perfect plant to bring indoors for the winter. When the heat turns on, the air becomes much drier and there is less water in the air. Your tropical plants will throw a fit with this change, but not your succulents! They thrive in this condition. They also like a temperature between 60-80 degrees with steady airflow. Airflow is the amount of air that circulates throughout a space. We can all appreciate a relaxing breath of fresh air, and succulents are no different. In fact, no plant likes stagnant, old air. Turn on a fan to keep the air circulating every once in a while, to keep your plants happy.
Fertilizing
Winter fertilizing is a big controversy in the plant community. Some people say to avoid fertilizing at all in the winter while others say fertilize as much as you want. I personally think that as long as plants show signs of new growth then it is okay to fertilize no matter what season. As for my very dormant plants who show no signs of growth, I will let them be because nobody appreciates being forced to eat when they're not hungry.
Pests & Diseases
Succulents are pretty resistant to pests but not 100% pest-proof. Spider mites and mealy bugs are bound to happen at one point or another, especially if you keep your succulents outside during the summer. To treat these pests, use an organic pesticide like neem oil and gently wipe off the infected areas. That will do the trick. Succulents are also capable of getting different types of molds and frugal infections, which is treatable if you catch it early. Grey mold is very common in the winter when the leaves of succulents' decay and fall off attracting unwanted pests and spreading. Use the same treatment here by removing the decaying matter and cleaning your plant with diluted rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
If you have any specific need plant care questions, please feel free to send me an email at carsensgreenhouse@gmail.com and I will do my best to identify the problem and send resources your way! Thanks for reading!
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